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-   -   The Final Push: Holland, 27 March-12 April 2015 (http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=22819)

Hanno Spoelstra 30-10-14 21:43

The Final Push: Holland, 27 March-12 April 2015
 
Between March 27th and April 12th 2015 the operations Plunder, Varsity, Forrard On and Amherst will be relived again under the name

“The Final Push”

See http://www.thefinalpush2015.com/home_eng.html for more information. I plan to be there and hope to see other MLU'ers there, too!

Regards,
Hanno

Hanno Spoelstra 17-11-14 23:54

I talked to the organisers of Keep Them Rolling (KTR) last weekend.

Other than a two-week long road trip, this could also be described as a "string of events". Which means each participant can take part in all and/or segments of the whole programme as they see fit.

Entry cost will be quite low, with meals being provided. So it is a matter of the running costs of your own vehicle only.

For MLU members outside of The Netherlands who want to take part, please post your interest here as I have been asked to arrange for some sort of a "MLU group enrolment" to make life easier for KTR.

Thanks,
Hanno

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:00

1 Attachment(s)
The organizers sent this - one of the reasons why TFP is planned :D

Attachment 70007

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:23

From the website: PROGRAM THE FINAL PUSH (subject to change)

As said before, this event can be seen as a "string of events", consisting of five (5) major road moves, each starting and ending at a camp site from where local tours and commemorative activities take place.

If you cannot attend the event for the full duration, it is advised to plan your participation around one or more of the stages. Please let me know if you plan on coming over for this truly once in a lifetime event, and I will coordinate on this end.

Hope to see you there!

Hanno

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:52

1 Attachment(s)
1st stage: Groesbeek

Friday March 27th 2015:
Start building the bivouac and infrastructure in Groesbeek. Arrival of vehicles/participants at the bivouac around estate “Den Heuvel” (dropzone for the 82nd Airborne Division during Operation Market Garden, September 1944!) Maybe some vehicles around the National Bevrijdingsmuseum in Groesbeek during the afternoon.

Saturday March 28th 2015:
TFP Breakfast
Continue arrival of vehicles/participants at the bivouac around the National Bevrijdingsmuseum and estate “Den Heuvel” in Groesbeek. From 12.00 hrs. lunch and then the convoy will depart for the Commemoration at Groesbeek War Cemetary.
Tour through Groesbeek, static show at Town Hall and a Liberty concert ft. Double2 (Andrew Sisters). Coffee and donut served by ARC truck. Participants receive a hot meal served by ARC truck in the bivouac.

Sunday March 29th 2015 (Summertime starts!):
TFP Breakfast.
End of bivouac and departing of vehicles to IJzerlo (municipality Aalten) for the next bivouac, route will take place through Kranenburg, Kleve and Rhine crossing. Wreath laying at The Reichswald War Cemetery with music and speeches. Commemoration activities on the Rhine at the bridge of Rees, with DUKW’s. If the weather is ok a flypast from warbirds of KLU
Stichting Historische Vlucht.
A hot lunch will be served. A request for further crossing of Germany has been directed to the Landrat Kreis Kleve/Borken and is in a final state. Continue through Isselburg, Anholt to Dinxperlo.
Between Rees and Isselburg (Dropzone Operation Varsity) a paradropping from a WW2 DC3 is planned. Festive entry of Dinxperlo. Commemoration and speech from the Mayor at a monument.

Route Groesbeek - IJzerlo
http://www.thefinalpush2015.com/imag...05_867x401.png

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:53

1 Attachment(s)
2nd stage: IJzerlo

Monday March 30th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Resting day and the visit of schoolchildren to the bivouac. Hot meal from ARC truck and Fieldkitchen. Evening program being a Liberty Concert and parade at Bredevoort. City of Apeldoorn Pipes & Drums will perform including the local Harmony. Arriving in Bredevoort through Aalten, laying of flowers with a small delegation at the monument in Ijzerlo and the Jewish Synagoge in Aalten.

Tuesday March 31st 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Liberation tours & commemorations / wreath laying.
Commemoration Barlo at the monument Nijhofsweg. Commemoration at monument in ’t Woold.
The Mayor will speech to invited guests including schoolchildren. Eyewitness will tell their story about the tankbattle . A stop and static show including lunch on the Market Square in Winterswijk.
Continuing with commemorations in Lichtenvoorde with speech of Mayor. Commemoration at the monument Rademakersbroek in Varsseveld. Schoolchildren will tell a story about the Bark together with Wim Lammers.

Wednesday April 1st 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Liberation tours & commemorations. Festive entering the centre of Ulft by schoolchildren and Harmony bands. Visiting a WW2 exposition in old factory DRU. Large international commemoration in ‘s Heerenberg with music and hot lunch. The RCL will attend. An attempt will be made to have 4 Sherman tanks entering the town up front like happened in WW2.(foto monument) Another large international commemoration in Doetinchem. Commemoration at the Sherman tank (Canada Park) and monument at the Town hall. Coffee or Thee available in tent Canada Park. RCL will attend.
The city will be liberated again by crossing a Bailey / folding bridge across the Oude IJssel, in cooperation with de Dutch Army. Inviting notables and schoolchildren. With good weather plane movements above the convoy by KLu Stichting Historische Vlucht.

Thursday April 2nd 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Bivouac end and long liberation tour to Delden following the line Zelhem, Ruurlo, Barchem, Lochem, Gelselaar, Diepenheim to Delden (nice sandy tracks). Commemoration at Ruurlo.
All tracks are allowed to cross a meadow in front of ‘Het Witte Hoes’ like in WW2 happened. Road block... Wreath laying at Somerset monument in Lochem, coffee from an ARC truck.
Changing the guard will be done by class 7 students.
A stop in Gelselaar for a commemoration with schoolchildren, a hot meal WW2 style for the participants. The village will be closed for all other traffic.
Finishing the large bivouac at Delden. Arrival of participants from Ijzerlo. Probably hot meal in ARC Canteen.

Route IJzerlo - Delden
http://www.thefinalpush2015.com/imag...en_424x487.jpg

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:53

1 Attachment(s)
3rd stage: Delden

Friday April 3rd 2015: (Good Friday)
TFP Breakfast.
Resting day for the participants with their vehicles. Opening of Porter Field, the airstrip at Twickel under the interest of invited guests. Arrival of WW2 planes. Offical permission received. Pipes & Drums City of Apeldoorn in the bivouac. Special guest will be Mr. Porter a veteran.
Visit of schoolchildren and residents. The arrival of more vehicles and participants.
In the evening entertainment at De Wendezoele, live music.

Saturday April 4th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
“Delden back to Then” (April 1945) starts. Liberation tour Delden – Zenderen – Hertme – Borne – Delden Centrum – Delden Twickel. Festive entry through Azelo, commemoration at the monument Vloedbelt, wrath laying in Hertme and lunch. Large march-past through Borne, including Poppy dropping by WW2 Recon planes (only by good weather).Festivities and speech by Mayor.
Visit to the bivouac open for public. Shows of Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten / Dames en Heren van Toen / Prinses Irene Brigade(?) / Canadian re-enacters. A steam train shuttles between Hengelo and Delden (maybe Goor also)back and forth. Grand party night at ‘t Hoogspel with Big band music (De Zendmasters). Dress contest for Ladies and Gentlemen in uniform and civil WW2 clothing.

Sunday April 5th 2015: (Easter Sunday)
TFP Breakfast.
2nd day of “Delden back to Then” (April 1945). Tour to Almelo passing through Bornerbroek for a commemoration and festivities in the centre. On the way back stop at Tusveld for a reception and a hot lunch. Commemorating of the crossing the Twente canal by Canadian troops at the Torendijk. Amphibian attack by Canadian re-enactors . Specific vehicles will be lined up along the canal south side. All other vehicles line up on Kanaaldijk north side.
Amphibian vehicles can enter the canal at TWV in Hengelo. A lot of national and international guests expected. A local committee takes care of facilities like a tent and sound gear.
A steam train shuttles between Hengelo and Delden (maybe Goor also)back and forth.
Visit to the bivouac open for public. Shows of Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten / Dames en Heren van Toen / Prinses Irene Brigade(?)/ Canadian re-enactors.
Liberation party evening at “De Weijenborg” for participants and locals.

Monday April 6th 2015: (Easter Monday)
TFP Breakfast.
3rd day of “Delden back to Then” (April 1945). A steam train shuttles between Hengelo and Delden (maybe Goor also) back and forth. Long Liberation tour to Oldenzaal (Opening of Memorial garden WW2). Canadian re-enactors will enter the town first followed by music. Line up in narrow streets around and on the market square. Hot lunch.
Shows of Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten / Dames en Heren van Toen / Prinses Irene Brigade / Canadian re-enactors. interconfessional service at the Oude Blasius Kerk in Delden, starting 17.00 hours. A pastor and an army chaplain have been arranged.
Liberty concert at night around Castle Twickel with artists, band, WW2 searchlights (V sign) and sirens. Participants follow the music band from the bivaouc. Visitors will enter through the tunnel and along the Castle to our location.

Tuesday April 7th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Resting day and the visit of schoolchildren to the bivouac. Wreath laying at the Algemene begraafplaats in Delden with a small group.

Wednesday April 8th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Liberation tours to Holten, commemoration& wreath laying at the Canadian War Cemetery.
Schoolchildren will lift with our vehicles from Holten to the War Cemetery. Commemoration and short lunch with hot food in Markelo. Passing of some bomber crash sites. Static show in Goor in front of the town hall, remembering the casualties of war including the Polish liberators. KTR will present a remembrance stone for the Polish Liberators. The Polish ambassador has been invited.
A refueling stop is planned leaving town. A wreath laying at the KTR monument Delden (Wiene)
Location of WW2 spot crossing the Twente canal by Canadian troops.

Thursday April 9th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Long Liberation tour from Delden, via Enter (coffee stop and commemoration)to Nijverdal, where a commemoration will take place at the Memory International War Museum and a Mock battle around the N35 bridge, lunch. Continuing to Ommen and Balkbrug. Staying the night with residents in their houses or gardens like the Canadians did in 1945. Party night and hot meal.

Route Delden - Balkbrug
http://www.thefinalpush2015.com/imag...ug_421x483.jpg

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:54

1 Attachment(s)
4th stage: Balkbrug

Friday April 10th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
Departure from Balkbrug, through Hoogeveen ( wreathlaying and parade) and Beilen to Westerbork remembrance centre. Impressive memorial with the attendance of former camp residents and around 800 schoolchildren. There will be displays on this former concentration camp. Various invited guests and a meeting with French veterans of Operation Amherst. During this tour there will be stops for commemorations.
Building of a bivouac in the centre village. A warm welcome by the Mayor and a hot meal. Party night with a show of Big band “De Zendmasters”

Route Balkbrug - Westerbork
http://www.thefinalpush2015.com/imag...rk_401x619.jpg

Hanno Spoelstra 21-12-14 12:55

1 Attachment(s)
5th stage: Westerbork

Saturday April 11th 2015:
The Old Town hall will be disguised as a German HQ. A Dogfight and Air display will be held together with Paradropping from 4 C-130 Hercules planes. Parade through the village with all the vehicles along French and Canadian veterans. A Mock battle will be held at Badhuis.
At night a Liberation party in Westerbork village, with artists on the bivouac and the centre.

Sunday April 12th 2015:
End of bivouac Westerbork village and through Rolde, Assen, Vries(hot meal) and Eelde (parade like 1945) to the city park in Groningen. Building the final bivouac. During this tour commemorating stops will be held. Mock battles and a large parade entering the city of Groningen to de Grote Markt / Vis Markt where a tank battle will be held. A march-past through Groningen ends a fantastic event!

Bivouac until Monday morning in the Groningen city park.

Route Westerbork - Groningen
http://www.thefinalpush2015.com/imag...en_254x518.jpg

Tim Bell 22-12-14 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra (Post 203824)

Have all the WW2 maps for this area - maybe should make and effort to get there - most maps have the defence overlay too which show known German positions.

Tim

Hanno Spoelstra 22-12-14 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bell (Post 203878)
Have all the WW2 maps for this area - maybe should make and effort to get there - most maps have the defence overlay too which show known German positions.

Tim,

I have the updated routes through Germany for which the organisers have all the necessary permits. Will send them to you.

Would be great to see you here again!

Hanno

Hanno Spoelstra 23-12-14 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Bell (Post 203878)
Have all the WW2 maps for this area - maybe should make and effort to get there - most maps have the defence overlay too which show known German positions.

Tim,

The updated route for the Groesbeek to IJzerlo stage was uploaded to the website; see updated post #5 above.

HTH,
Hanno

Stefan Leegwater 02-02-15 12:13

Hi hanno.

We'll be there around the eastern weekend from friday till monday with the "FAT combination".
Do you bring your truck?

Meet you there!

Stefan

Hanno Spoelstra 16-02-15 23:25

Stefan,

Yes, I will be there with the F15A over the Easter weekend, too!

Regards,
Hanno

Stefan Leegwater 17-02-15 06:49

That's great Hanno.

We look forward to this nice event.

See you there!

Stefan

Hanno Spoelstra 29-03-15 14:05

5 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra (Post 203824)
Saturday March 28th 2015:
TFP Breakfast
Continue arrival of vehicles/participants at the bivouac around the National Bevrijdingsmuseum and estate “Den Heuvel” in Groesbeek. From 12.00 hrs. lunch and then the convoy will depart for the Commemoration at Groesbeek War Cemetary.
Tour through Groesbeek, static show at Town Hall and a Liberty concert ft. Double2 (Andrew Sisters). Coffee and donut served by ARC truck. Participants receive a hot meal served by ARC truck in the bivouac.

Yesterday the first day and convoy of The Final Push! I was not there personally, but I have attached some pictures of one of the participants.

I won't be joining the fun till next week, in the meantime I will updtae this thread if and when information becomes available.
Here's a link to a local broadcasting station with a 2 min. video: http://www.omroepgelderland.nl/web/n...m#.VRfoj_mUf-Z

Hanno

Attachment 72054 Attachment 72055 Attachment 72056 Attachment 72057 Attachment 72058

Hanno Spoelstra 29-03-15 14:38

4 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra (Post 203826)
Saturday April 4th 2015:
TFP Breakfast.
“Delden back to Then” (April 1945) starts. Liberation tour Delden – Zenderen – Hertme – Borne – Delden Centrum – Delden Twickel. Festive entry through Azelo, commemoration at the monument Vloedbelt, wrath laying in Hertme and lunch. Large march-past through Borne, including Poppy dropping by WW2 Recon planes (only by good weather).Festivities and speech by Mayor.
Visit to the bivouac open for public. Shows of Binnenlandse Strijdkrachten / Dames en Heren van Toen / Prinses Irene Brigade(?) / Canadian re-enacters. A steam train shuttles between Hengelo and Delden (maybe Goor also)back and forth. Grand party night at ‘t Hoogspel with Big band music (De Zendmasters). Dress contest for Ladies and Gentlemen in uniform and civil WW2 clothing.

Alex reported the number of Commonwealth vehicles taking part is limited, mainly because in Holland they are outnumbered by American-built vehicles.

But I can tell you the organizers made all the participants well ware of the historical setting in which this tour is taking place. A 63(!) coulor printed page road book has been put together, with historical background and bits 'n bobs on all the places being visited.

Many of the towns being visited have done their best to commemorate their liberation 70 years on. Delden for example has adopted a "back to then" theme, putting the tour into a historical setting as much as possible.

Attachment 72066 Attachment 72067 Attachment 72068 Attachment 72069

Hanno Spoelstra 29-03-15 14:49

2 Attachment(s)
As I didn't have the time to fix my F15A, so the plan changed to me driving the Royal Netherlands Army Chevrolet CGT Field Artillery Tractor. It will not be pulling the limber plus 25-pdr gun, as it is a live gun and there are serious restrictions on weapons during this commemoration.

Attachment 72070 Attachment 72071

To be continued!

Alex van de Wetering 29-03-15 19:25

5 Attachment(s)
Attached are some of the pictures I took in Groesbeek, yesterday. The first two were taken at the Camp site....the always impressive Sexton, restored by an MLU member and the very rare Dodge WC60.

The other pictures were taken in the centre of Groesbeek....a nice selection of vehicles, with some US heavies.

Alex

Alex van de Wetering 29-03-15 19:28

5 Attachment(s)
The amount of Commonwealth vehicles was somewhat disappointing, but I have good hope next weekend will be different! It's Easter, which means a lot of people have a few days off. I know for a fact that at least three forum members will be bringing some Commonwealth vehicles to the event next weekend.

Stefan Leegwater 29-03-15 22:10

Hey Hanno!

Then that will make two CGT's !!

Till next weekend.

Mvg

Stefan

Hanno Spoelstra 29-03-15 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefan Leegwater (Post 207517)
Then that will make two CGT's !!

Stefan, indeed! We should try to make an effort to team up.

See you next week,
Hanno

Hanno Spoelstra 29-03-15 22:18

5 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanno Spoelstra (Post 203824)
Sunday March 29th 2015 (Summertime starts!):
End of bivouac and departing of vehicles to IJzerlo (municipality Aalten) for the next bivouac, route will take place through Kranenburg, Kleve and Rhine crossing. Wreath laying at The Reichswald War Cemetery with music and speeches. Commemoration activities on the Rhine at the bridge of Rees, with DUKW’s.

Just received these pictures: on the road to Kleve.
It looks like the weather was somewhat the same as 70 years go.....

H.

Attachment 72098 Attachment 72102 Attachment 72099

Attachment 72100 Attachment 72101

wim sikkelbein 01-04-15 18:52

3 Attachment(s)
This afternoon in Doetinchem, the crossing of the oude ijssel river.

Gordon Yeo 01-04-15 19:17

The Final Push
 
Thank you to everyone who have posted pictures of these tours. It is very interesting for us to see. A great tribute to the troops of Hollands Liberation.

Hanno Spoelstra 01-04-15 22:03

Just got this huge list of videos on YouTube - have not even seen them all myself yet.

Quote:

28 MAART
Groesbeek kamp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPN4IS964KA
Onthulling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFHw7Z51JWM
Zingende dames 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfE2d8QwncI
Zingende dames 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMx3Iu6GZdw

28 MAART
Groesbeek, deel 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc5YY_-i88M
Deel 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KOkSyAk32s
Deel 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCDmMcB6nZY

28 MAART
Vertrek Groesbeek 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIg3Eg0ZDn8

29 MAART
Groesbeek start https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS--0hv1k6o

29 MAART
Kleve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McUPH20yXZk

29 MAART
Reichswald https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIW6xw03-dg

29 MAART
Rijnbrug Rees, deel 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQINVBxOyNk
Deel 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HafewSWHUUg
Deel 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmMA7OWbzw4
Deel 4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eODdfcHvZGA

29 MAART
Dinxperlo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF_XYwKj0a8
Dinxperlo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBmd7XlaG6w
Dinxperlo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtnXbkUOTpk

29 MAART
Aalten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uif5h8lWnzw
Aalten https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTVfiJCOc1k

29 MAART
IJzerlo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkyxI3JZsds

31 MAART
’t Woold, Winterswijk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbgW_YOoWlk

31 MAART
Winterswijk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8tdw-I_uB8

31 MAART ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjemGaCjE5U

1 APRIL
College Wesenthorst https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CRFU17MpiQ

1 APRIL
Gelderland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-D11XaSWcU

1 APRIL
Ulft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvUhW8zMEfs
Ulft https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n_HJ0fiW58

Hanno Spoelstra 06-04-15 13:23

2 Attachment(s)
Today, at the Ganzenmarkt (market square) of Oldenzaal. The Royal Netherlands' Army CGT is my truck for the event.

Attachment 72340

City of Oldenzaal is swamped by 150 vehicles, thousands of people were lining the streets when we drove in.

Attachment 72359

Robert Bergeron 06-04-15 15:37

Final Push thru Holland
 
Hanno,

Fantastic pictures and video posts. Absolutely fantastic.

What a sight !

Robert

jeff davis 06-04-15 17:40

Tfp
 
Thank you for posting I have or have had Many Friends that had Driven those routes in Ww2 .

Alex van de Wetering 07-04-15 23:32

5 Attachment(s)
Some pics from last Sunday....

Pictures taken in Tusveld and Delden. Did you spot on of our MLU Moderators???


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