War Memorial at the Capelse Veer

The monument at the Capelse Veer in Sprang-Capelle was erected in memory of the fierce battle that raged here between the Allies and the German occupying forces from the end of December 1944 to the end of January 1945.

The battle at the Capelse Veer was a German bridgehead on the south bank of the Bergsche Maas near the North Brabant village of Capelle. About 1200 soldiers lost their lives in this fierce battle, of which about 500 were Allies (mostly Poles, Canadians and Belgian marines) and about 700 Germans. The willow tree that stands at the monument has experienced and survived these acts of war up close.

The battle between the Germans and the Allies would last five weeks. A battle that was not only characterized by bloody combat actions under harsh winter conditions, but also by a prestige struggle between generals from both sides. The battle came to an end with a change of command on the German side, after which an order was issued to evacuate the bridgehead.

After the Allies had cleared North Brabant south of the Bergsche Maas of Germans on 9 November 1944, the river became the dividing line between liberated and occupied territory. In the night of 8 to 9 November, German patrols were active on the island, north of the village of Capelle. They noticed that the Allies had not permanently occupied the island and the surrounding polder and formed a bridgehead. The Germans settled in the houses and started to build fortifications. The bridgehead offered them a natural cover, because in the south the island was formed by the river Oude Maasje and cut through the polder here. In addition, they did not have to row across the Bergsche Maas, which formed the northern boundary of the island.

During the month of November to mid-December, the German troops undertook patrol activities in the area. In the weeks that followed, the bridgehead was reinforced with troops, first with troops from the 712th Infantry Division and later with paratroopers from the 6th Parachute Division, and extensive fortifications.

Units of the Polish 1st Armoured Division guarding this sector carried out a reconnaissance on the island on the night of 28 to 29 December 1944. They encountered fierce German resistance. It was then decided to destroy the bridgehead.

A first Polish attack on the night of 30-31 December proved to be a catastrophe for the attackers. The losses included 49 men, including 11 killed. A second Polish attack was launched in the night of 6 to 7 January 1945. Again, the German defense proved to be too tough. The losses on the Polish side were high: 134 men, of whom 34 were killed.

An elite British unit, the 47th Royal Marine Commando, attacked on the night of 13/14 January. In addition to British, Norwegians were also assigned to the unit. This attack also ended with heavy losses: 49 men, including 9 Norwegians.

Once again, an Allied operation was ordered. Now by units of the Canadian 4th Armoured Division. This time a major attack was made on January 26 during the day. By surprise, another canoe unit of 60 men would attack the German bridgehead in the rear via the Bergsche Maas. These battles would continue for five days. In the early morning of 31 January 1945, the Germans voluntarily withdrew from the Kapelsche Veer bridgehead. This Canadian attack also cost heavy casualties: 240 men, of whom 76 were killed.

Hans van Meerendonk