The Rhine Crossing !!

[Paul D]

On the 24th March 2010 it will be the 65th Anniversary of the Rhine Crossing , Operation Plunder the Infantry assault across the Rhine and Operation Varsity the Airborne assault over the Rhine .

I am taking a Tour party to the area of the Rhine crossing for the anniversary including members of 6th Airborne Division , 12 Para and the 2nd Ox and Bucks and also members of the 8 Royal Scots of 15th Scottish Divison.

Has any member any knowledge of any official commemorations that will be taking place ?

regards

Paul

[philip ABRG]

I shall ask my friend who are in touch with some Varsity veterans, as I am sure that coming March there is something going on

[Paul D]

Thanks Phil the vets haven't been notified of anything via their Regimental Associations.

[Steve T]

I have a bit of an odd question.

I have a family claim to fame, and am not sure of its authenticity.

My great Uncle has told a number of his close relatives that he was driving the first tank that crossed the Rhine.

Does anyone know which regiment/outfit was the first across ?

I am intrigued to either support or dispel this family story

Cheers

Steve T

[Paul D]

Steve the first troops across on Op Plunder the ground Op were from the 51st Highland Div led by the Black Watch at 9pm 23/4/3/45 at Rees followed at 2am 24/3 by 15th Scottish Div between Rees and Wesel , they crossed in Buffalos , an Amphibious Armoured tracked Carrier from 79th Armoured Div ( Hobarts Funnies ).

The first conventional Tank i'm not sure who that was i'll have to check,

regards

Paul

[BlackCat1982]

Remembering those who took that jump over Wesel as part of Operation Varsity, 24th March 1945. 77 years may have passed, but we still remember and salute them.

[Paul D]

Spent the day with a veteran of 2nd Ox and Bucks who Bounced the Rhine on Varsity , sadly all the other Varsity and Plunder veterans i knew are all gone now .