The crossing near Wesel (Operation Plunder) was one of several coordinated Rhine crossings. Crossing the Rhine. The crossing of the Rhine between Rees and Wesel (Operation Plunder) was part of several coordinated Rhine crossings. A million soldiers from three countries participated. The operations were a complete success. Then and Now: Allied Rhine Crossings. 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). During World War II, two French POWs suffer divided loyalties following their capture by the Germans. 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. Hitler’s days were numbered. Crossing the Rhine in a single day undoubtedly shortened the war in Europe. 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". 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. 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. 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. In support of the crossing, 14.000 paratroopers were dropped behind enemy lines (Operation Varsity). It was a sacred waterway to the Germans, the source of most of their legends and myths. This strategic crossing of the Rhine river – also known as Operation Plunder, started on March 23rd, 1945. It was an operation of large numbers. Sheet music from Folk Tune Finder here: http://www.folktunefinder.com/tunes/141186 Shortened war in Europe. In 55 BC Caesar was busy preparing for his invasion of Britain. A million Allied soldiers participated. The actions started late on 23 March 1945. Full title : Crossing the Rhine … The Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen shortly after its capture, 7 March 1945. When Allied forces reached the Rhine in early March 1945 they found just about every span across the river already destroyed. US Army Signal Corps, National Archives. The Crossing of the Rhine Photos View All Photos (4) Movie Info. The crossing of the Rhine at Remagen, however, marked a decisive moment heralding the impending collapse of Germany. Common Old Time tune. 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