Part of the work for Allied forces after Normandy was to secure the Scheldt estuary, a vast wetland and mouth for the Scheldt River at the North Sea. Canadian soldiers spearheaded the campaign, which became as much a battle against the environment as it did the Germans.
Much of this land was under sea level and protected by dikes. The Germans blew up the dikes.
The painting high overhead is by Canadian war artist Orville Fisher, titled Scheldt Crossing.
One of the weapons in the Allied arsenal was a fearsome one: the Wasp Flamethrower.
Another vehicle that started out at this time, proving absolutely essential, was the Jeep. The basic look of the vehicle, which has long since been part of the commercial market, hasn't changed that much.
As difficult a campaign as it was, the Scheldt campaign was successful, and taught the Canadians some lessons along the way. As was the case across the front- western and eastern- time was running out for Nazi Germany.
One of my favourite artifacts in the Museum: a German Walther pistol, and it's because of the story behind it.
As is so often the case in this Museum, the stories of individuals are highlighted, retaining a human touch on things.
Medical kits of the time are found here.
I visited Normandy 5 years ago and it was touching.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine.
DeleteI have a (non- leathal) Walther and hope I never need it.
ReplyDeleteHopefully.
DeleteI wouldn't know how to handle a gun even if I am given one.
ReplyDeleteIt's something that only interests me in a museum context.
DeleteThe crazy things human do
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteI don't remember hearing about that campaign before. I recall reading hat many of the wetlands along the Norfolk coast, where I sometimes go watching birds, were initially created during the war years to make it more difficult for any possible Nazi invasion.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense.
DeleteNone of this had to be.
ReplyDeleteIf only different views had prevailed in 1918-19.
Delete...this is something that I never knew about.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fascinating aspect of the War.
DeleteI am not a fan of guns or war. I hope we never have to deal with a war like this again. Take care, enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteRough terrain, the bombed out city looks much like parts of the Ukraine. War horror
ReplyDeleteUnderstandable.
DeleteEl medio ambiente , siempre tiene mucho que perder, tanto en la batalla como por la contaminación pacífica. Urge ya una solución para este gran problema.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
DeleteThe flamethrower was another level of wartime hell.
ReplyDeleteIt was.
DeleteMore horrors that I didn't know about.
ReplyDeleteAt many times it was a horrible war.
DeleteThe Netherlands hoped to be liberated after the battle of the Scheldt. But it was the beginning of the hunger winter in the west of our country.
ReplyDeleteA terrible time.
DeleteThat old Jeep looks pretty well used.
ReplyDeleteIt does.
DeleteThe flamethrower sounds like a weapon from hell.
ReplyDeleteVery much so.
DeleteIt was bad. My parents told me about it. They were children in that war. My grandfather sailed on the scheldt with his ship, as an inland barge skipper. But during the war he was forced to work for the Germans in the Scheldt area. He fled during a bombardment and hid from the Germans.
ReplyDeleteThat experience would stay with you.
DeleteI cannot recall hearing about this campaign.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I can see it being overlooked.
DeleteI didn’t know about blowing up the dykes. That was nasty.
ReplyDeleteVery much so.
DeleteIt took so much to end this war!
ReplyDeleteIt did.
DeleteWhat we have learnt from all these wars is how to kill quicker!
ReplyDeleteSo it appears.
DeleteThe jeep looked well used.
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteQuite the battle and exhibit ~ neat photos ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you.
DeleteFascinating, a lot of history here. Thanks William!
ReplyDeleteA pleasure to do so.
Delete