Reichswald Forest
8 February - 11 March 1945
WW2 - Battle of Reichswald Forest (Operation Veritable)
Following Operation Market Garden, the area at Arnhem stretching from the so-called ‘Island’ at Nijmegen across to the Groesbeek Heights became the front line during the winter of 1944/45.
The Facts
- Date: 8 February - 11 March 1945
- Location: Reichswald Forest (Germany)
| Countries Involved | |
|---|---|
| British Empire Canada |
German Empire |
| Countries Commanders | |
| Bernard Montgomery Harry Crerar Brian Horrocks |
Alfred Schlemm |
| Number of Casualties | |
| Around 15,634 | Around 44,239 |
Battle result: Allied Victory
General Bernard Montgomery built up his forces once more and on 8th February 1945 Operation Veritable began with a massive bombardment, the largest since El Alamein in 1942, and tanks and infantry advanced on the Siegfried Line and Reichswald Forest. Despite heavy fighting, a break through was achieved allowing the Allies to advance into the Rhineland and by March 1945 were able to ‘Bounce the Rhine’ with a crossing of the River Rhine between Rees and Wesel, signalling the beginning of the end of the war in Germany.
Captured prisoners
Churchill tanks, Reichswald
AVsRE with fascine and SBG bridge, Reichswald
