The crossing of the Rhine between Rees and Wesel (Operation Plunder) was part of several coordinated Rhine crossings. The actions started late on 23 March 1945. The Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen shortly after its capture, 7 March 1945. The final hurdle of the Rhineland Offensive was the Rhine itself. The Rhine was more than a river. Montgomery would also include airborne forces in his plan. The crossing near Wesel (Operation Plunder) was one of several coordinated Rhine crossings. In support of the crossing, 14.000 paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines (Operation Varsity). Common Old Time tune. Sheet music from Folk Tune Finder here: http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/141186 On the right, a Victory is holding a standard bearing the inscription TOLVYS (Tolhuis), the name of the toll station near where the crossing of the Rhine tool place on 12 June 1672. The Crossing of the Rhine Photos View All Photos (4) Movie Info. Men of the 1st Cheshire Regiment crossing the Rhine in Buffaloes at Wesel [via | via] British Commandos on the outskirts of Wesel Crossing the Rhine 24 -31 March 1945: C-47 transport planes release hundreds of paratroops and their supplies over the Rees-Wesel area to the east of the Rhine. Eisenhower described capturing the bridge as "one of those rare and fleeting opportunities which occasionally arise in war and which, if grasped, have incalculable effects on determining future success". Hitler’s days were numbered. Crossing the Rhine. This was primarily a relaxing vacation to celebrate our 25th anniversary, so I tried to keep a lid on my tendency to focus on World War 2 history. The crossing of the Rhine at Remagen, however, marked a decisive moment heralding the impending collapse of Germany. It was a sacred waterway to the Germans, the source of most of their legends and myths. Full title : Crossing the Rhine … In 55 BC Caesar was busy preparing for his invasion of Britain. In August 2011, my wife and I took an 8-day river cruise up the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland (Amsterdam connects to the Rhine via a canal). When Allied forces reached the Rhine in early March 1945 they found just about every span across the river already destroyed. Then and Now: Allied Rhine Crossings. The cities that have already been taken are handing their keys to the victor. This strategic crossing of the Rhine river – also known as Operation Plunder, started on March 23rd, 1945. This was the greatest airborne operation of the war. Shortened war in Europe. A million soldiers from three countries participated. Crossing the Rhine they could then advance into the German industrial heartland, the Ruhr and on to the North German Plain, which was ideal ground for a rapid armoured advance. A million Allied soldiers participated. During World War II, two French POWs suffer divided loyalties following their capture by the Germans. 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