Hi everyone. Hope you find this interesting, for it is very odd.

Deception.
Just two feet away!

Bizarre. Absolutely bizarre, that is the only way to describe this little escapade, even now I look back and wonder, how the hell did we get away with it?

A small group of us (about 4 or 5) had been briefed to make our way out on to the area of the wet lands that surround the river Maas. Areas that were supposed to be under our control, but in fact, were patrolled by both sides, and were disputed. For the line was very thinly held amongst the scattered villages on our side of the Maas.

Indeed, because there were few troops to cover this very large and flat bit of countryside West of the Maas, there were some large pockets that the enemy still held. Our brief then, was to make our way across the soggy flat, and in places, flooded wetlands that is typical of the Limburg area of Holland in the Wintertime. Then travel some miles inside ‘presumed’ Enemy held territory right up to the banks of the River, (again, who needs the SAS?)

Our instructions were to be as stealthy and as quiet as mice, the whole object of this operation was not to be caught. At this point, I hesitate to go further with this description of what happened, in the past, when I have told this factual story, I have been looked at sideways, just as though I was losing my marbles!

Our orders were to make our way right up to the banks of the river Maas, deep in Enemy territory. Later, at dusk, we set off, creeping along as quiet as we could, we never saw a soul, made our way right up to the bank of the river and lay there hidden in the rushes in freezing, clammy, horrible wet Dutch mud, Our purpose to deceive the enemy. This operation was one of *deception* and nothing else.

(I am not putting this on the web site, if you want to know? send me a private E mail)

All night long we stayed hidden on our stomachs until our limbs froze. About midnight, two Germans came down to where we were, then loaded up a multiple mortar, (Moaning Minnie) a few feet away from our hiding place, talking amongst themselves, with no idea that we were there. When they had loaded the weapon, they fired it at our base miles away, in the process, damn near deafening us, there was nothing we could do about it, they then set off back, talking and laughing together. I can tell you, the most wonderful sound was the voices getting fainter as the departed!

Early in the morning, at first light, we set off back ourselves, frozen stiff, and numb with cold, stiff as boards, we made it back without being caught. How we got away with it, I shall never know, I just wish that I could trace another who was there that night. When I tell people the full story, I swear they think I am shooting a line. This really did happen! Unfortunately, there is no mention of this operation in the company diaries. And, for heavens sake, I am not going to spend another £76 trying to find any trace of that op.

Now, dear reader! I did not mind lying in cold freezing Dutch mud on my tummy for hours on end, stiff as a board, miles inside Enemy territory, putting up with the danger of being captured, or shot, or worse, cold, wet, and thoroughly miserable, for my country, but what I do object to, is people who look at you as though you are not telling the truth, IT ENRAGES ME! But then, on reflection, I am not surprised, those were momentous times, I hope that our youngsters will not have the same experiences.

These days it would be considered a job for the SAS, or some other specialised group, back in 1944, great things were afoot, and the necessity to take on these tasks was seen as part of the Royal Engineers Field Companies duties! Some times, at the age of 78, I look back and wonder? Did we really do all these things? For some of what happened then, are now considered to be “Way out” or “Over the top” Well. I can assure you. Too bloody right we did! But you can understand why some folk think you are laying it on a bit thick! But! Not to those that served back in those momentous times.

The next episode. The deserted town. The only inhabitants were furtive cats.
Sapper Brian..