Pegasus 1 Shelter Oud Reemst

On October 22, 1944, Albert Horstman kept a tight schedule for his part in Operation Pegasus 1, namely the transport of sixty paratroopers in two small Red Cross wagons. From six o'clock the paratroopers in uniform and armed had to be ready at the hut in Oud-Reemst to board as quickly as possible.

When the two trucks drove right past the shelter in Oud-Reemst around half past eight, they were 'ambushed' by two resistance fighters. The two drivers, who had not yet been informed about the operation, were not immediately convinced whether they could participate in the transport of the armed paratroopers. As has been said, this was contrary to the Geneva Conventions. After some discussion with Horstman, the two drivers agreed to participate. In the event of a possible arrest by the Germans, the two drivers could say that they had been attacked by the resistance.

Meanwhile, the sixty paratroopers from the shelter at Oud-Reemst had arrived at the wagons. The paratroopers had to lie on top of each other in two layers, because the cargo space was limited. They also all had to keep their weapons handy to defend themselves in case of an emergency. It took a lot of effort to get everyone in, but after fifteen minutes the trucks started moving with their heavy, human cargo. The trucks could not drive too fast, because the gas generators only produced a limited power.

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