Diary March 23, 1945

War Diary, 03-1945, Diary WW2, Year 1945 / 1 minute of reading

US paratroopers Rhine crossing — US paratroopers preparing a Bazooka after their dropping east of the Rhine.

Diary for Friday, March 23, 1945:

Western Front

MONTGOMERY’S 21st ARMY GROUP CROSSES THE RHINE AT WESEL (Operation Plunder): attack takes place in bright moonlight under cover of dense smoke screen and shattering artillery bombardment. Montgomery issues Order of the Day: ’21st Army Group will now cross the Rhine. The enemy possibly thinks he is safe behind this great river obstacle … we will show him he is far from safe behind it.’ Monty also issues ‘no fraternization’ order to his troops.

Air War

Europe: RAF bombers virtually obliterate Wesel. 6,000 Allied planes participate in operations connected with Rhine crossings.

Home Fronts

Britain: Death of jockey ‘Steve’ Donoghue, 6-times winner of the Derby; aged 61.

Sea War

Pacific: TF 58 attacks Okinawa.

About The Author

Kretaner

My name is Norman 'Kretaner' and since my childhood I am interested in history and strategy games. Later, I have learned programming and the development of computer games, and finally with the Internet, also web design. I'm in the fortunate position to combine all my interests with my work and to live on a place of my choice, on Crete. All information, figures, specifications and statistics used here had been compiled from a variety of sources and the large, over decades collected, library of the author about military history, WW2 and weapons.