Cycling route Death Valley de Peel - Till here (Eeuwelse forests) (#12)

Till here

Between September 20 and 25, 1944, the central village centers of Nederweert, Someren, Asten and Deurne were liberated around the Groote Peel.
Large parts of the countryside remained 'no man's land' for quite some time. Allied troops patrolled there during the day, the Germans at night.
The residents did not feel liberated at all.

On October 27, 1944, the Germans also launched a large-scale counterattack at Meijel with two armored divisions towards Asten and Deurne.
Units of the 7th US Armored Division that had to guard this front line were taken by surprise. Neerkant and Liessel were reoccupied, as well as part of Astense Peel. To be precise: to where you are now. From here the Americans held out with utmost effort against superior numbers until reinforcements arrived from the 15th Scottish Division.

The Allies then counterattacked with large equipment.
The swampy Peel was unsuitable for this, the material losses were great. Infantrymen became involved in hit-and-run fighting. There were many casualties.

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Martin Damen