Although not critical, this seems to be the most appropriate place to discuss the labelling of German fortifications on Walcheren which numbered at least (W)289 (Cruq, p. 120) which was for for Westkapelle.Elsewhere in the Gallery on Hans Cramer it is stated that W stands for "Whisky". Whisky is the NATO alphabet code for W which may have been the code used by the RAF to refer to these fortifications. However, it does not explain why W was used. It seems likely, as Houterman and Sakker, have suggested that it stands for Walcheren (p. 237, 501).
Posted by Duncan Cramer on Thu 10 Aug 2023 11:29:29 EDT
This seems to be the tank on the Westkapelle monument. The following information has been copied from Traces of War.
Corporal Frank Reginald Himsworth 1153990
1st Lothian and Border Yeomanry
79th Armoured Division
Commander of the M4 tank as a monument on the dike of Westkapelle.
Under the command of Lt. Col. C.J.Y. Dallmeyer.
Corp.. Frank Himsworth was almost 21 years old and one of the youngest tank commanders in the British army, landed on June 10, 1944 with his unit at Gold Beach (Normandy). His unit was usually part of the 1st Canadian Army.
The landings craft LC (T) 737 which was loaded with tanks, left the port of Oosteinde (Belgium) on October 31 1944. He landed back on a beach, but now at Westkapelle with his tank "Bramble 5" (blackberry, also Flail tank and the crew called it "the crab"). The Bramble 5 was the second tank which landed at Westkapelle.
During the landing the tank became unusable, caused by water in the tank.
This seems to be the tank on the Westkapelle monument. The following information has been copied from Traces of War.
Corporal Frank Reginald Himsworth 1153990
1st Lothian and Border Yeomanry
79th Armoured Division
Commander of the M4 tank as a monument on the dike of Westkapelle.
Under the command of Lt. Col. C.J.Y. Dallmeyer.
Corp.. Frank Himsworth was almost 21 years old and one of the youngest tank commanders in the British army, landed on June 10, 1944 with his unit at Gold Beach (Normandy). His unit was usually part of the 1st Canadian Army.
The landings craft LC (T) 737 which was loaded with tanks, left the port of Oosteinde (Belgium) on October 31 1944. He landed back on a beach, but now at Westkapelle with his tank "Bramble 5" (blackberry, also Flail tank and the crew called it "the crab"). The Bramble 5 was the second tank which landed at Westkapelle.
During the landing the tank became unusable, caused by water in the tank.
The ammunition was transferred from the tank into a amphibian vehicle for troop transport. Due to its heavy load dropped the vehicle became deeper into the mud. Eventually the vehicle drove on a mine which caused a huge explosion.
Himsworth himself was injured and was treated in Vlissingen to his amazement and then transferred to Breskens.
Looking back on the war Himsworth says:
For us it was easier than for the Dutch.
We had to fight, but we had enough to eat and shelter.
Our country was not occupied. It must have been terrible. We just did our work.
Himsworth heard in 1999 about a reunion in Westkapelle and decided to urge attend.
After the meeting Himsworth went to the monument at the dike of Westkapelle.
Once arrived at the tank, he discovered at the rear of the tank the entitled "Bramble 5". The brass plate in the tank confirmed his suspicion. After more than 50 years he stood beside his tank which was part of the liberation of Westkapelle.
On the back of the tank is a plaque with explanatory text:
"Flail" (flail) tank of the 79th Armoured Division (1st Lothians & Border Horse), part of the 56nd (Lowland) Division. Used in the Allied landing of the Royal Marine Commandos on November 1th 1944 in Westkapelle.
Did come ashore from the landing boat LCT 737 (Bramble), flooded at high tide in the middel of the Zuidstraat in the night of November th to November 2nd 1944.
After the war, partly demolished - and saved as a monument. Placed on the Zeedijk in thanks and tribute to our liberators.
We ask you to honor this monument.
Besides this text there is also a technical description of this type of Sherman tank.
Sherman V (M4A4) equipped with a 75mm cannon and equipment to defuse mines. Powered by a 30 cylinder engine from USA-Chrysler with 425 hp.
Total weight: 40 tons.
Length 6 to 8 meters (incl. Flail).
Width 2.5 to 3 meters (including Flail).
3 meters height.
Posted by Duncan Cramer on Wed 09 Aug 2023 18:59:06 EDT
This photo is a clearer one of, from l to r, Franks, unknown, Laycock, unknown, and Emmet travelling from Ostende to Walcheren
Posted by Duncan Cramer on Wed 09 Aug 2023 18:50:30 EDT
The sign behind the troopers reads “Waldfrieden” a German word sometimes used as Wonderland!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:30:22 EDT
Note that the Trooper second from left has his pistol ready to use!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:25:37 EDT
The right hand man is wearing his (mouth) inflatable life-belt so they are probably waiting to go ashore.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:22:49 EDT
The Trooper stands in a 3 inch Mortar ‘pit’ with the covered muzzle of one tube just visible.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:20:09 EDT
Westkapelle is a small City near Walcheren the photo taken during a lull in fighting as none of these men is armed.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:16:10 EDT
This appears to show a ruined German Casement or Bunker probably close to, and overlooking, thevLandingnBeach.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:10:41 EDT
This is called, “Living off the land”. Those chickens should leg it now!
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:08:32 EDT
The photo was probably taken in Holland as some of the men are wearing traditional clogs, the Royal Marines call Dutch Marines “Cloggies”.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:07:09 EDT
This shows a US built M4 Sherman Tank one of almost 50000 built and used in all Theatres of the War. They used petrol, the common fuel adopted, but caught fire relatively easily so the Germans called them “Tommy Cookers”.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 05:04:39 EDT
This is probably on active service the left hand man has a bandolier only used for ‘live’ rounds, he has his mess tin out, and seems to have ‘proffed’ a couple of spuds so a cook-up is in the offing.
Posted by PrichardDavid R L on Thu 24 Sep 2020 04:57:26 EDT
This Norwegian Commando is holding his Personal Weapon the .303 inch Lee Enfield which was standard issue. What is unusual is that it is fully ‘cocked. Look below the raised rear leaf sight you can see that the cocking device is fully extended, if there is a round in the chamber the weapon is safe provided the safety catch is ‘on’ . Judging his appearance he may be on a Rifle Range and not in contact with the enemy.
Posted by David Prichard on Mon 31 Aug 2020 13:04:43 EDT
