Cycling route Death Valley De Peel - Battle in the shadows (#16)

Battle in the shadows

On October 18, 1944, Nederweert, Someren, Asten, Deurne and Venray were formally liberated, apart from their rural areas.
On October 27, 1944, the Germans launched a large-scale counterattack near Meijel 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. With utmost effort the Americans held out until reinforcements arrived from the 15th Scottish Division.
The Allies now counterattacked with large-scale equipment.
The swampy Peel was unsuitable for this, the material losses were great. Infantrymen became involved in hit-and-run fighting.
At this location, near the historic Amslo border marker, fierce battles were fought. The Scots and Americans even received air support.
On November 17, 1944, they finally won the 'Battle of Meijel' - also known as the 'Battle of Peel' or the 'Battle in the Shadow'.
Meijel was completely destroyed.
Here on the Amsloberg the Germans shot down the Mustang Mk I G9-Z of Canadian pilot John Davy McIlveen on November 6, 1944. The pilot survived and was taken prisoner of war. Remains of his plane were found on August 11, 2017 by Planehunters Joop Hendriks from Helmond and Sjaak de Veth from Bakel. They were looking for possible remains of another Allied aircraft!

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Source

• Text: TracesOfWar
• Photos: Martin Damen