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15 members of our Regt. were buried
Robert J Fenske M.M. CD 65BT4 5 A/TK Regt
4th CDN Armoured Div. - Memories of Holland
It’s hard to remember where we had been at time & battle.
Last Town in Belgium. Esseng (First names in Holland) Bergen
op Zoom, the people happy to be free, done all they could to
cheer us up. We were tired & dirty. It was there where we
had a church parade (Nov 5) & a burial of nine members of
the Regt, the population where there with flowers. We were
impressed Nov 8 moved on to a Breda and then to Tilburg,
moving fast onto S-Hertogenbosch. Cheered on by all we
passed, each stop crowded, kissed, flowers, treated as
heroes. From their we went to Lith on the Maas river and
were billeted at peoples homes. We patrolled for most of the
winter and the people of Lith were pleased to help in any
way possible. Rest Period, we returned to “Night” where we
were welcomed with a dance, a good time was had by all. I
made friends with Fijko Verhagen and family. |
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They served a wonderful meal! First stop. Coevorden a wonderful
reception, as much joy & attention was when we liberated
them. Lochem reception again as in 1945, next
‘sHertogenbosch, Vucht was a pleasant reunion. Visit museum
were shown case pictures. The rainbow band 65 BT4,
different members etc a royal lunch, and meeting the whole
town visit Lith. Again a royal reception. The town turned
out, (NC. Tom of Lith) underground who worked with us
1944) Here the school children beat me out of all my cdn
change, a wonderful lunch, wonderful people. Next stop
Breda. Again an amazing reception. Last stop in Holland
was in Bergen op Zoom. Here we started with a parade at the
military cemetery where 15 members of our Regt. were
buried. Dutch military & people turned out. The cemetery
was immaculate, each head stone, a little cleared space at
the bottom were planted with flowers. They told us that the
school children tend them. Then to the town reception, Great
people, cheered and at this time, a special thanks to
William & Ann Dekker who supplied transport to all events we
wished to see. I wish to thank all the people of Holland
whom I have met or was cheered on by as we raced through
your towns & villages.
Help us carry on. RJF |
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