In the Netherlands, on this day in October 1944 . . .
 

At 0001hrs (one minute past midnight), 68-years ago this morning, a unique unit of the Canadian Armoured Corps, which was never based in Canada, or served on Canadian soil, came into being. Although the actual lifespan of the unit was short lived (they were disbanded in June 1945), and the ranks of its veterans are thinning with each passing year, the legacy of their existence and accomplishments lives on. Many a Canadian and British veteran, would not be among us today, if the men of 1 Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment, CAC, better known as the "KANGAROOS," had not shown the determination and devotion to duty that they displayed, upon entering into active operations on 8 January 1945, through to the end of hostilities in North-West Europe, the following May. Happy Birthday "Kangaroos."

Mark,

Thanks for reminding us! :salute:

Hanno

Hereby some scans from "The History of the Kangaroos", printed by Smit, Hengelo, Holland around May 1945.

Marco

Also in 1944, Oct 31- nov 01 began the battle for the Walcheren Causeway.
I just cant imagine how the Canucks won....incredible

heres a bit of a ghost story but based on the battle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0JWWPoWDFE

MEANWHILE- in the battle of the scheldt, they used something called a Terrapin.. a pretty large 8 wheel platform thing

Never saw one before, but strikes me they might have been useful postwar.. have none survived?

Marc, I think Kevin Weatroft in the UK has an unrestored example. and I think there were pics on Keiths OLDCMP website of another one (also unrestored.....or even the same one???).

Alex

John Belfield has/had a unrestored example.

http://www.mapleleafup.net/forums/showthread.php?t=5978