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September 23
Prepared by James Stoness with
the Bronze Plaque Tour in Enschede
Today, the veterans of the South Alberta Armoured Regiment (SAR)
drove into Germany following the route taken in the spring of
1945. At Udem, they received a warm welcome from the Mayor.
In his speech the Mayor said that Germany has changed and that
we all hope that such a conflict never again happens. He stressed
how happy he is to have the SAR veterans in his city.
 At
Uedemerbruch the SARs unveiled a bronze plaque. This historic
moment marked the first time a Canadian regiment has placed
a bronze plaque in Germany. The theme of the bronze plaque is
"We shall remember them". A representative of the
German Air Force said that he was pleased to participate in
this gesture of peace and friendship and that we have the opportunity
to learn from each other. The veterans of the SAR then moved
down the road where they saluted a German war memorial to the
civilians from the local area who were killed.
At noon the SAR veterans and families lunched in a beautiful
hotel with a fine view of the distant Hochwald Forest. The battle
to cross through the Hochwald Gap was fierce and difficult as
the muddy terrain was unsuitable for tanks, and their slow progress
was in full view of the enemy who took full advantage of their
position and superior weapons. Eighty-seven year old Bob Fairhurst,
a veteran with the SAR tour, had made it through the death and
destruction to the hill where he had to hunker down for two
days waiting for help to come.
Returning to Enschede, the SAR tour passed through Emmerich,
Vorden, Ruurlo, Lochem, and the Twente Canal following the route
taken by the SAR back to Holland.
After Enschede, the SAR veterans had the satisfaction that they
had kept the faith with all their comrades who were killed,
wounded, or taken prisoner, and that the plaque will be a reminder
in perpetuity. |
