Storm and Assault Boats

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Garry Shipton
According to Lt Col Mike.l.Tucker of Montreal,Officer Commanding of this 250 man RCE 23rd Field Company unit,the boats were collapsible 20' with 50HP outboard motors.Their only claim to fame was the rescue of the British Airborne during Operation Market Garden.

From Terry Copp, "Our Rescue Role At Arnhem": "The Canadians were equipped with stormboats powered by Evinrude motors. Each boat could carry 36 men. The British made do with smaller assault boats that had to be paddled."

Unsung heros all.

Indeed - but at least some of the soldiers involved were decorated for their bravery: Major M.L. Tucker received the Distinguished Service Order, Lieutenant Russell J. Kennedy the Military Cross, and Sappers H.D. Thicke, D.J. McCready and R. Lebouthillier received the Military Medal.
Also, a memorial reminds the inhabitants of Driel and people passing by of Operation Berlin (location).

H.